Alaska Airlines
Seattle-area airline that bought Hawaiian Airlines in 2024; with regional sister Horizon Air it runs Ascend Pilot Academy and paid pilot and mechanic development programs.
Overview
Alaska Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, with hubs including Seattle, Portland, Anchorage, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Its parent, Alaska Air Group, completed its purchase of Hawaiian Airlines on September 18, 2024, and the two airlines received a single FAA operating certificate on October 29, 2025, while keeping both brands. The combined fleet is mostly Boeing 737s, plus Hawaiian's Airbus A330s, Boeing 717s, and Boeing 787s. The usual route in for new pilots is through Horizon Air, Alaska Air Group's regional airline, using Ascend Pilot Academy or the Pilot Development Program.
Student Insights
Ascend Pilot Academy
Ascend is Alaska and Horizon's flight school program for people with little or no flight time, and its page was live and taking applications in September 2026. Students train at Hillsboro Aero Academy in Redmond, Oregon, for 13 to 18 months to become commercial pilots and flight instructors, then spend about two years building hours toward the 1,500 needed for an airline transport pilot certificate. Cadets can receive a stipend of up to $27,000 when they sign on with Horizon Air. You must be 18, authorized to work in the U.S., and hold an FAA first-class medical before you apply.
From Horizon to Alaska
Horizon pilots who complete 1,000 hours as pilot in command can move to Alaska through the Pilot Pathways program, in Horizon seniority order. To be hired directly, Alaska asks for 1,500 hours total time and 500 hours of fixed-wing turbine time; a four-year degree is preferred but not required. Alaska pilot bases are Seattle, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and Hawaiian's are Honolulu, Seattle, and Cincinnati.
Mechanics, dispatchers, and interns
Technician jobs require an FAA A&P license. Horizon's Maintenance Technician Development Program pays stipends to people working toward it, and the Military Technician Transition Program offers $5,000 toward an A&P plus a contingent job offer, now including Hawaiian Airlines. Summer internships are paid, run 12 weeks, and place students at Alaska, Hawaiian, or Horizon with standby travel benefits. Airline dispatchers need an FAA aircraft dispatcher certificate: under 14 CFR 65.53 you can take the knowledge test at 21 but must be 23 to hold the certificate.
AI Outlook
Pilot, dispatcher, and A&P technician jobs are FAA-certificated roles. Data and AI tools support planning and maintenance analysis but do not change the certificate requirements for entry.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Ascend Pilot Academy
- Pilot Pathways: Horizon to Alaska
- Pilot Development Program (Horizon Air)
- Military Technician Transition Program
- Hawaiian Airlines integration
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to Alaska Airlines.